

J 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

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^n[u..&^m[Uivit^}}i ^(x. 

UxNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 









NNA 



BY 



Ed. Langner 



Allegheny, (Pa., October 11-8 j. 
'July 8'g4. 






\^c^^fM%^%^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 



■>F 



0^ "NINA" ^^ 



/ 

By Edward Langnkr. 



A Play in 5 Acts. 



CHARACTERS REPRESENTED. 

Nina Cavaillon, A Gypsy Qlieen 

Delmar, Her Son 

Armond Bertomy , A Gypsy, afterwards Count DeLesterre 

Marie,. . .A stolen child, discovered to be the daughter to the DeMalprats 

M. Gaston, A Legal Gentleman 

Count Lucien DeClamerau 

Count DeMalprat, 

Countess Jeanne DeMalprat 

Tony, 



Favorite Gypsies 
Prosper, J 

Rouel, 

Beauclaire, 

Louis, j^ Common Gypsies 

Henri and 

Others. 

SCENE— France, in and around Paris. Time, 50 years ago. 






1^ 






TMP96-007065 



ACT 1. 

Scene I. A Woodland. Gipsy Camp pitched in wild jungle. 

Night. Antonio discovered leaning grotesquely 

against a tree fast asleep. 

Enter Prosper, bearing bundle of bush. 
Prosper : Well, so help me never, if it is'nt, peace be with him. 
Hi ! Tony ! Spirits ! Ghosts ! Sinner ! Awake ! 

Tony ? (Falling on knees) Holy virgin spare us and protect us. 
Prosper ; ( Unearthly) Now and forever. Amen. 
Tony : Say,, what speaks ? 

Prosper : (Laughing heartily) Come now, I like that. But say 
you, what meant that noise ? 

Tony : Npise Prosper. — What noise ? 

Prosper : Do you mean to tell me, you did not hear it ? 

Tony : May I never stand as I do this blessed minute — 

Prosper : Stop ! — 

Tony : But surely — 

Prosper : Enough I say. I am positive you couldn't face again 
what you did this very minute. 

Tony : I faced nothing to my knowledge. 

Prosper : Positively you couldn't do it again. It's done after this 
fashion. (Imitates Tony in sleep.) 

Tony : What may there be in that pray ? 

Prosper: (Taps tree) Why this gnarled friend of yours. — 

Tony: Who's he? 

Prosper : Right here. Objected you see. 

Tony : Go along. — 

Prosper : Not I. He wouldn't have it I tell you. 

Tony : And why not ? 

Prosper : There, he threw himself right at you. 

Tony : Pish ! Tales ! Stories ! Who'd believe such stuff. (Rifle 
Shot) Hist ! News afoot. (Enter Armond.) 

Prosper : Good ! The morn to you, Sir. 

Tony : How fares the master ? 

Armond : Ha ! Tony, not the best. And I tell thee Prosper with 
your directions, I had no small trouble finding the new quarters. 



Poor Tim, his Fall and Rise. 



Tony : I'll wager. — Nay if Prosper threads no better thau he wags 
I'd swear to it. 

Prosper : Swear away there. 

Tony : Well, would I now ? 

Prosper : Come you would." 

Tony ; Of course I would. 

Prosper : Would be it then. Have your own way, as the fool once 
said. 

Tony: Who's he? 

Prosper . That's he exactly. 

Tony : Oh ! Very well then. 

Armond : Come, come Tony, that won't go down. You don't mean 
to tell us you're the fool ? But that accounts for it. — 

Tony : What's up now ? 

Armond : Who had the last watch ? 

Prosper : He that's up.— Who else. 

Armond : I am sorry for it. 

Tony : What have I done ? 

Prosper: Listen. — 

Armond : Whose eyes be these that give it all away ? 

Prosper : His, whose between them nosed it out right noisily. 

Tony : What's this again. Am I to be in darkness evermore ? 

Armond : No whining. Whence came this bundle ? 

Prosper ; I fetched it, master. 

Tony : Ha ! You ! 

Armond : Take it up. — Go. 

Tony : May I — 

Armond : Begone. 

Tony : Oh ! But I'll think more of this. {Exit) 

Armond : Aye. Now where's the mirth ? 

Prosper : At Tony's faith of witchcraft, master. As I came up he 
stood here fast asleep, snoring to wake the woods. I woke him with a 
start and made him half believe the trees become possessed, had 
snapped off their dead limbs and threw them all at Tony. 

Armond : Have a care. Prosper, turn about is the order of things. 
How fares the world here ? 

Prosper : Sooth unchanged. 

Armond : Has Delmar returned ? 

Prosper : He is expected to-day. 

Armond : Ha ! When ? 

Prosper : Even this morning. 

Armond : Good. Don't lose sight of him. And — If Marie is about, 
acquaint her with the news, will you ? 



Kina. 



Prosper : All's well there Master. 

Armond : Do, there's a good fellow. {Exii 'Prosper.) Delmar re- 
turns with dark intentions, I do fear. That he has held aloof so long 
is more than mystery to me, for by his actions he has told us 
plainly to be undeceived, that Marie is the mark he aims at. Yet, 
I hate him not withal, still he loves me not, fearing no doubt I stand 
in the way to harbor her and look to him. 'Tis strange. He has 
an evil passion that would seem must out. Perhaps it is his nature 
to be evil, perhaps his passion to be thus. Tush, what care I for 
such as he ; our love is firm, do what he may to break it. {Enter 
Marie with flowers.) 

Marie : {Sings on entering,) 

Oh ? A pretty red rose was plucked for me. 
That seemed not a rose but his love to be. 
For nature had spent it all pretty and sweet. 
To deck loving hearts so lovingly meet. 

Armond: What angel's near me? Speak Marie, is't my love ? 

Marie : Is't my love indeed. 

Armond : {Embracing her) Indeed an 'tis. Where's the kiss . — 

Marie : Angels do not kiss but with a breath — of peace I think. 

Armond : I fear my peace hangs on those lips, dear dove. 

Marie : Why then my peace hangs on irresolution, 

Armond : Why so, you sweet ? 

Marie : The dove is on the wing, where should it fly ? 

Armond : Loved one, swiftly hither hie. 

Marie : Ah bliss ! Would'st have this love a breath. 

Armond : Ay, lover 'twixt my own and honeyed lips. 

Marie : Monster of loves, what would you of an angel ? 

Armond : The constancy of love is a blessing, that of youth another, 
perfection another, and my sweet another. Angels are descended of 
blessings, and my love's descended of perfection, youth and sweetness 
it follows that my love is a blessing and my sweet an angel. 

Marie : Would'st have this welcome be a blessing too ? 

Armond : Yes, I would have it all most welcome. 

Marie : 'Twere well then. 

Armond : Nay ! 'twere a kiss, witch. 

Marie : I thought 'twas sweet, my bold ? 

Armond : So 'tis, charm, where is't ? 

Marie : 'Twas on my lips but now. 

Armond : Then 'tis there ^iiW. — {Many kisses.) 

Marie : But soft. Is that a blessing too ? 

Armond : Or blessing never was. 

Marie : Why then to be impetuous is to be the soul of blessing. 

Armond : As how ? 



Kina. 



Marie : The echo on't. 
Armond : Ah ! 

Marie The woods resound therewith. What if Mistress Nina lent 
attention our way ? 

Armond : The queen of mothers has a soul above displeasure. She 
loves us even as we do ourselves, and for a heart, hers is the prime of 
feeling. Keen to fondness— alive to happiness — ever true to those 
that love and are of her as of affections self beloved. 

Marie : She is very good and dear to me besides as my own Ar- 
mond and his great esteem. But see what pretty flowers I have gath- 
ered for my mother. ~ 

Armond : And of them all not one is plucked for me. 
Marie: Wrong, doubter. Here is one a favorite adored for you. 
I say adored love, because - (Sings.) 

"A violet blue 
Is the favorite true 
Of a lover as hopeful and loving as you ; 
So I give it you 
The sweet violet blue 
The favorite flower of loving hearts true." 
Armond : And the violet's mate, love, the rose, is kept for him, is't 
not? 

Marie : (Sings.) "She had a red rose, 

A pretty red rose 
A sweet scenting emblem of love's repose. 
For sweet as the rose 
Is the loving repose 
Of fond heart's remembrance, the pretty red rose. 
Armond : But is't for him —is't for Delmar ? 

Marie : Nay, Armond ! 'Tis my own. I prize it highly even as 
you hold the other dear. (Pins rose to bosom) This is my constancy, 
(violet to his) that my hope. But what of Delmar. 
Armond : He too is coming home to-day. 
Marie : Would to-day could be without him then. 
Armond : How, you love him not ? 

Marie : I fear him. Oh, Armond ! If ray nature were not free of 
such bad thinking, I could hate him as I do the sight of toads and 
loathing things. 

Armond : Strange. Repellant as he is, Nina should dote on him. 
Marie : (Cautiously) He is her sou. 
Armond : Who said that. 

Marie: Herself, and she is as much troubled, he is no better than 
he is. 

Armond : Be on your guard of him. There's danger in the know- 
ledge. 



Kina. 7 

Marie : While you are with me, I am unconcerned, you'll protect 
me, will you not ? 

Armond : With my life. But when I am absent — 

Marie : The thought of you is courage. Your love will give me 
strength. 

Armond : Spoken as only one of your true spirit can. I'll watch 
over you, my treasure, as though I stood against temptation, guard 
upon my soul. He shall not come between us— shall not part us. 

Marie: He durst not— dare not do it. {Enter Nina, Rouel, Henri, 
Louis, Abel, Beaudaire, Manuel and other Gyj^sies.) 

Gypsies : {Sirij on emtering ;) 

"A Gypsy life for me, for me, 

A Gypsy life for me. 

A Gypsy life so bold and free, 

Is a Gypsy now" and forever to be. 

Oh ! A Gypsy life for me 

A Gypsy bold and free." 

Nina : Well meet my children, both, we love us. 

Armond : Sooth mother, 'tis myself can say to that aye and bless us. 

Nina : Good morrow to yourselves I say. Early morn needs bless- 
ing that the day be lighter than our spirit, and the fate in store no 
greater than behooves us. What brings the child ? 

Marie : Flowers, mother ; all these pretty flowers. 

Nina : Yes, flowers, flowers, and all for me. But what's in a flower ? 

Marie : Sweetness, perhaps. 

Nina : Nay, sorrow's in it. Go seek the rose that smells not sweet, 
nor pluck the violet to plight a troth, nor set the heart on either ; 
though it were bliss at once, 'tis sorrow for you in the end. 

Marie: We had best undeceive her. {To Armond.) 

Armond : Let her ramble on awhile. 

Nina : Lend us nothing that we can repay in trifles. Go, go hearts 
and sights, and griefs and pains, and tears and groans, and aches and 
longings, and what all. But list you, that which stops within our 
reach and is not painstaken of, but commanded from us coldly, is not 
the flower of a thing but the worry of it. 

Armond : Would you apprehend us ? 

Nina : Why deceive me longer —I am better fitted to share confi- 
dence than doubt. Is't not your love you wish to hide from me. 

Armond : Let me hasten mistress. 

Nina : But answer me : Dost love her ? 

Marie : Mother ! 

Nina : Let him go on. 

Armond : How shall my answer suit something words cannot ex- 
press. That I love her, Marie knows and you may see — How I love 
her is only felt but known to neither of us, nor can my speech make 



S JVina. 



more of it than what is understood of well ; though that conveys the 
term not much above the ordinary sense, yet so profound is my en- 
dearment meant that for comparison, the sense conveyed and as 'tis 
grasped by you were incomparable beside it. 

Nina: Methinks 'tis better to be silent, than too rapturous in love. 

Marie : He can speak out. 

Nina : Ha, ha, the child's in love. 

Marie : Look in my heart, mother, and let its fulness suffice you. 

Nina : Let me look in the future. Is love bowed down already ? 
Ha, ha, love — all sorrow child, all sorrow. 

Marie : Mine seems a sorry love indeed, that cannot tell it in so 
many words, but must have recourse to a feeble heart. 

Nina : What's in it ! love !— love ! Ha ! Sorrow's love, look to't, 
oh ! beware of it. Love's the mistress, but sorrow's her handmaid. 
Beware of hearts lest love be in it and ye both succumb. Look to it, 
blinded one; lovers look to't— look to't. {Enter Delmar and Prosper.) 

Delmar: Yet stay, Prosper.— Concerning these private matters, I 
would add that you should superintend them personally. If Beau- 
claire, Rouel, Louis and Henri will not do, select as many others as 
you may deem necessary ; and charge them to be wary, lest our labor 
be all lost. And see to it at once, dost hear ? - 

Prosper : Rely on's to despatch't as best we know how. ( Goes from 
one to other of Gypsies icho exit severally. He Rouel, Henri and others 
retreat at back.) 

Delmar : How's my mother ? 

Nina : Welcome ! Not well my son. The night has been a rest- 
less one. 

Delmar : Let our spirits be none the worse for it, dear mistress. 

Nina: Oh! Delmar, I see a cloud advance rapidly overhead. 
What if it burst upon ourselves uniting such elements as would destroy 
instantly. Oh ! What if we were overtaken ? 

Delmar : Come, come, Nina, smile away the frowns of night. The 
elements are hushed and not a cloud is visible, nor so much as a spec 
resembling one to be seen. 

Nina : Not seen, Delmar, but felt. Nor only felt, but feared. The 
depression is on me still, yea the very air surrounds us laden of it. 

Delmar : I experience no unusual sensation. 

Nina : But heed me, Delmar, heed the danger we are in of suffo- 
cation. 

Delmar : Tut, tut, mother. Dreams fear the timid, and you are 
timid that would fear mere shadows of the mind. Imaginary things 
are none at all and prove so generally. 

Nina : A dark thought is a cloud, do what we will to banish it or 
'scape from it. -And were the firmament wreathed smiling, and a 
vast expanse stretched never clouding interminable above all univer- 
sal being save ourselves alone, and the elements unwinged and ever 



Mna. 9 



ceasing, lay quartered to the four divisions of infinite space, that 
piercing cloud which hovers o'er my mind, were set therein as dark- 
ness falling on a glass puts out the sunbeam playing on its surface. 
'Tis darker than the erebus of night, yea blacker than the dungeon's 
ghastliest depth, and were it hid in folds of never-lifting gloom ; and 
fiercer in aspect than all the elements combined ; for nature's ways of 
visitation are gentle means compared to that which satan in men's souls 
employs. Oh ! Heed it^ Delmar, heed the threatening cloud, if not 
the warning voice of Nina. 

Delmar: My mother's in no mood to-day that notice should be 
taken of the warning, which is not a warning either but a fancy. 
Come, look a better cheer, let's marry comfort and place our confidence 
in fortunes keep. Let's build on hope to breast the storm of doubt that 
when the waves of future rise, they may roll by and leave us high and 
dry upon the fastness of our wisdom ; And above all let's pursue 
reality, for that fate which is written ours, comes against us qualified 
and shapen unassumed ; Not melancholy as the fancies of a fitful 
dream. See, here is reality 1 prize dearer than imaginations self 
could guise her. Ah ! Marie, there is a chatm in your possession that 
never diminishes its power, but gains in fascination and adds new 
rapture to my pleasure every time we meet. 

Armond : Deuce take his impudence. How now, Delmar ? 

Delmar : Ha ! How now to you. The devil on't fellow, what 
brings you here again ? 

Armond : Being wingless, sooth my legs. 

Delmar : It is my right to know, and I demand what brings you 
back before your time ? 

Armond : On that score it is I that need enlightening. 

Delmar : No matter what I do or how 'tis done. Answer me on 
the instant. 

Armond : Pardon the necessity to remain in your debt. I am loth 
to answer for a just offence before an unjust examiner. 

Delmar : I insist upon knowing the why and wherefore of it. 

Armond : And I upon the same of you. That I am here in advance 
of your limitation — for I made none — surprises only you. I did not 
promise such, or such as you ; you thought to-morrow a reasonable limit, 
and gave us to understand, that your mission would require until 
then. It is I who am surprised, - not you who need be, of so short a 
leave. 

Delmar : Laughable I So short a leave on my part is equal to 
your own forever. Take it and welcome. 

Armoud : The barrier would be eflfectual between to keep us far 
apart, no doubt. 

Delmar : The sooner it does, the better for us both. 

Armond : So please you then that I am here, and have no intention 
to be elsewhere yet. 



10 Mina. 



Delmar : What license can you have to boast. Zounds, Prater, 
our intercourse, though brief, seems full of folly for you to beard me 
thus. 

Armond : Nay, nay, modify it. To speak of intercourse breathes 
friendliness on what is meant unfriendly. But say acquaintance 
rather ! I'll admit, that, brief as ours has been, I have not found you 
to improve any. 

Delraar : (draws) By heavens dolt ! unless my sword refuses to 
improve upon a cur, this insult shall be heralded your last. 

Nina: (comes between them) Silence! Armond, and you, Delmar, 
keep the peace. Up with your tempers both, or run me through that 
blame you both. Men of such dislikes are rash to meet each other 
studiously ; Do so if ye would have blood upon your hands, but if ye 
would have reason, prefer to leave your swords undrawn, nor snarl 
together over trifles, nor bite yourselves, nor come upon each other 
unless ye are assured, that Love is countenanced and hate disarmed. 
Be careful. Oh, be careful ! not an hour passes, but the feast of 
frailty is observed, and we poor tempted selves partake of it, little 
thinking, that the golden cup would yield a bitter draught. Honey 
is sweet, but the guardian bee resents the getting it w^ith poison. 
Therefore be careful of your frailties, and on your guard against 
revenge too sweet, lest thirsting for more folly, temptation readily 
supplies the poison you would quaff. — Go, my child, and may God 
bless you.— On you, Armond, I will at least hope to have sown a 
fruitful seed.— Leave us now. {Exit Armond and Marie.) Delmar ! 

Delmar : Why is it I find Armond here again ? 

Nina : Is it by such conduct you'd convince us you are here too ? 

Delmar: You know the sight of him hurries me to these extremes, 
and still persist to cross my path with him. Why was my bidding 
not fulfilled, that Prosper or the fool should overtake and warn him to 
be off? 

Nina : Prosper, as directed, went in search, but failed to trace him. 
But he is peaceable enough, and were you likewise, and refused to 
taunt and put him in the humor, these quarrels would not be. You 
must be friends. 

Delmar ; We'll be that as soon as this lets out the rivalry. (Fondles 
dagger significantly.) 

Nina : For heavens love, do nothing rash. The cloud, Delmar, 
oh ! remember the cloud. That awful cloud. 

Delmar : He is the vinegar in my cup of pleasure, the hissing 
serpent in my path, the wasp applying to my breast, that I must dash 
unto the earth, and stamp it out of sight and harms way. 

Nina : Oh ! my Son ! my son ! 'Tis the old memory come back once 
more. 

Delmar : The furies torture me, I hate him. 

Nina : Hush. My mind is filled with thougth of your dead father. 
I see it all over again. A nature thirsting for revenge — fierce — 



Jfina. 11 



remorseless ; the mangled clothed victim —innocently slain. — The 
sickening block, — Gaping crowds around us — dense masses, surging to 
and fro — like rising tides which seem to heave and swell as with 
emotion, till the high is reached and reaction has set in. —A sudden 
brightness poises in the air, — it trembles - quick as the lightning flash 
descends— and justice has been done. But - blood flows freely, 
hateful blood - blood ! — 

Delmar : What of my father ? 
Nina : Alas ! His son. 
Delmar : Who — 

Nina : Promise me Delmar, that as you love me you will not hate 
Armond. 

Delmar : But of my father. Who and what was he ? — 

Nina Oh ! Kash misguided man.— Now promise my son if you love 
me as you say you do, to heed me. — 

Delmar : Mother, I have great expectations and something tells, 
his lot was different than our own. Tell me, is it not so ? 

Nina : Hush ! Hush ! Be warned. Oh ! Be warned. 

Delmar : Yet I listen — Speak ! 

Nina : Forgive me heaven, that I do. — He was the husband of my 
trials — A murderer, Delmar— and the father of you. 

Delmar: What is this? A— no, no, no, it is too hideous to be true. 

Nina : Alas ! Too true, too true, too true. 

Delmar : Woman, am I he you nurtured in the dream of hope, and 
made him anxious for a future only to dash it away from him again ? 
Oh ! Rather you had strangled me than let me live on now. 

Nina: Be guided by me, Delmar. Submit to reason. The 
courageous are wise - the patient rewarded as they merit. 

Delmar : The world is dead. What are you to me, who am to 
self a stranger. , A murderer's blood mixed up with mine. — 

Nina : Have faith in him whose power is in all things and who 
rules us justly though it seem not well. What fortune lacks, nature 
supplies manifoldly if we will but strive for it, 

Delmar : None fall to me, for I am heir to none. 

Nina : Be not despondent.— It is an idler who would trick us of 
hope. See you are endowe<J — 

Delmar : With an inheritance of hell ! ha, ha. No more, I pray 
you. I am busy here. — Enough enough. (Exit) 

Nina: Alas! Avh at has he done. What have I who suffer for the 
husband's and the father's shame? {Enter Marie,) 

Marie : Anguished and in tears ! Oh ! speak to me, dear mother. 

Nina : Rash boy, rash boy. I fear the knowledge he has gained 
will not deceive us of his ftitlier's son. God forbid ill should come of 
it.— The thought is terrible. No, no, heaven will spare me and guirle 
him. {Exit.) 



12 JSfina 



Marie : This strangeness grows apace. Delmar will unseat her 
reason surely if he fails to kill her. Poor woman. {Eater Tony.) 

Tony : Hist, lady, there he is again. 

Marie: Who? 

Tony : Why that fellow Prosper. Of late he prowls around here 
more than must be comfortable to you. 

Marie : I never see him. But what of that. You seem to know 
the reason ? 

Tony : You'll be angry. 

Marie : Not I. Go on. 

Tony : He— are you sure now — 

Marie : Of course I am. So do go on. 

Tony : Well, he's in love. 

Marie : Poor fellow. 

Tony : You're the one he's in with, siss. 

Marie: AVretched, wretched man. But come, why this strange 
fashion? {Enter Armond, hides.') 

Tony : {seeing it) I'm bound to have the best of it this once. Now 
for revenge. {Falls on his knees.) Oh, Marie, Marie ! 

Marie : Hush, not so loud, Tony. I comprehend what you would 
say, but know, my heart is gone. 'Tis robbed — captive held as 
hostage of myself. 

Tony : Be released, my stronger love can break those meshes. Hear 
me swear — 

Marie : Blood will coriie of it. Fly, fly — {Armond cocks pistol.\ 

Tony : Just my luck. Don't shoot, good Prosper. 

Armond : Keep still, my friend. 

Tony : Not Prosper, ha ! but Armond.— I'm done for. 

Armond : Well, how long have we to wait. Up quick, and show 
us you are equal to what follows. 

Tony: Forgive me, master, I'll never do it again, — never- indeed — 
indeed — I'll not. 

Armond : You had better pray than plead. 

Tony : I am innocent. 

Marie : Let him off, there's a dear. 

Armond : {Drags Tony to his feet mid gives him 2nstol) Will I ? 
There, get yourself in posture, that the end we please to give you may 
be made as light as end of man ever was before or shall hereafter be. 
{Delmar ajypears, but hides.) When I say ready — 

Tony : {Runs behind tree) -Shoot ! 

Armond : {after him) Not so fast, my lover, or your heels for a 
coward's will be cleaner than we bargain for. {In dodging confronts 
him.) Down you go. 



Kinci. ^^ 



Tony: (Timis tail) No you don't. (They dodge as before. Enter 
Prosper, hastily. Now in dodging and as Prosper enters, Tony turns 
quickly, thus thrusting pistol in Prosj^er's face.) 

Prosper : (falls postrate) Holiness over us 

Tony : (In hurry falls over Prosper, jnstol off) Murder ! Murder ! 
I'm hit. Killed ! Oh ! Oh ! (Prosper attempts to get up. Tony 
thinking it is Armond, they both scramble to feet, grapple, and exit 
struggling frantically. Armond and Marie laughing heartily. Delmar, 
pistol in hand, creeps- behind tree.) 

Armond : Hard-hearted girl, wherefore this glee ? 

Marie : You forget I have no heart. 

Armond : Hear ! Who has the treasure and I'll wrest it from him, 
Pigmy though I am. 

Marie : Giant robber, ask within yourself. 

Armond : I have a conscience to plead guilty with half a mind. 

Marie . Is conscience but a trifle to lovers ? 

Armond: Meddling one, to think so grave a thought should 
struggle forth and ring and ring. 

Marie : A very purloiner of maid's hearts. I am captivated to the 
blushing point. 

Armond : I'll hear no more of blushing, but let me rejoice that you 
are mine and mine alone. (They kiss.) 

Marie : Now and forever. (Delmar takes aim. Enter Nina.) 

Nina : (Sees him) God hear me ! The cloud, Delmar, the cloud, 
beware the cloud— remember — (faints.) 

Delmar : {Flings pistol from him) Ha ! Murder ! - Curs't, damned 
fate and I the follower. (Exit') 

(End of Act 1.) 



ACT 2. 

Scene 1.— The Woods Near Gypsy Cami*. 

(Enter Gaston and De Clameran.) 

Clameran : Methinks your compass errs, and we have lost the way. 

Gaston : Not so. I should locate them hereabouts somewheres. 

Clameran : From all accounts this Nina must be an eccentric body. 

Gaston : Her's is a sad history indeed, some call her eccentric, 
others believe her mad. But as we know, opinionated people will have 
views, and must express them to be lighter in their minds of confiden- 
tial scandals ; and that the tongue of slander is unsparing as the 
parent's rod, is matter too, though unlike it, these energetic tongues 
apply the lash with such vile vigour, the devil could not frame a better 
work of hell. 



14 J^ina. 



Clameran : You are severe, too bitter by far. 

Gaston : Not without reason. I have seen life and its impressions 
are indelible. I will even assert that those who people their imagina- 
tion, border on charity self-evidently the while truth bleeds behind its 
scratched face, 

Clameran : You scathe the world unmerciful, and all because this 
Nina's misfortune has wound her neighbor to the pitch. 

Gaston : Judge for yourself. She was a much sought person in her 
prime. Her beauty was the admiration of admirers — It proved a 
bane to her, destroying what even it can envy, happiness. Of a pure 
mind and disposition her conduct was above reproach, yet the hus- 
band dared to doubt her virtue as a wife and brutally slaughtered the 
victim of his mad jealousy. Thus it was the unfortunate woman fell 
from a lofty station to her present retirement. 

C'lameran : Too bad indeed. 

Gaston • Hear it out. The law meted penalty on guilt— The state 
requited life with life. The very day however, the name of Madam 
Cavaillon was sacrificed and perished with the husband, while that of 
Gypsy Nina flourished and became of note. 

Clameran : What ! The Cavaillon-DeCaldas affair. You don't tell 
me. 

Gaston: The same. 

Clameran : I recall it perfectly. Both were passionate men. De- 
Caldas the more impetuous— Cavaillon blind, unthinking, yet who of 
all their friends had thought that either of them would be ripe for 
such an end. 

Gaston : It was a sad business altogether. 

Clameran : Very — But who comes here ? 

Gaston : A gypsy from appearance. 

Clameran : Not a bad specimen of the craft exteriorly. 

Gaston : In keeping with himself no doubt, according to the lofti- 
ness with which he struts along and sniffs the air. Hallo ! My fine 
fellow : (Enter Prosper.) 

Prosper ; Hello ! to you and what is that to I or you ? 

Clemeran : Can't you be civil to a gentleman ? * 

Gaston : Come, he's a gypsy. 

Prosper : And you're a body. 

Clameran : Suppose we leave this fellow's sauciness to take care of 
him, and ourselves adjourn to Madam Nina for a hearing in his case. 

Gaston : Capital idea, my dear Marquis. You are witness, that he 
mouthed me with uncleanliest civility, grazing the last stage of his 
wit on us, that wretched as we felt and were, our lips refused to part 
at it. 

Clameran : When we get back to Paris, remind us both to go before 
a board of Wittists to make known to them, on affidavit, our late 
discovery, that fat is mightier than sauce. 



JVina. 15 



Prosper : I beg pardon, if it is my mistress you are after, to have 
leapt before looking where to. 

Gaston : That's decenter by odds, and as you would repent having 
blamed yourself, and ourselves are needy of your services, I shall so 
far relent, conditionally, that having lost the way, you volunteer to set 
us right again. 

Prosper : I hasten. {^Adde) Perhaps it is his grace. He said my 
dear Marquis, and he that said it, may be King. 

Gaston : Lead on gypsy. 

Prosper : Yes, your grace. {Adde?) His very air's a King's. A 
narrow escape that of falling in disgrace of royal favor. — Come along 
your highnesses. Stay, she is upon us. 

Clamerau : Is that Nina ? 

Gaston : How changed since then. Poor Nina. 

Clamerau : The hand of fate has bowed that head too low for her 
to ever lift it up again. 

Gaston : Father time is a pitiless destroyer. He deals none the 
kindlier with the wronged. {Enter Nina.) 

Nina : What have I done. What have I done. The past should 
have remained as it was, a secret, and the secret never told. Alas ! 
Alas ! too late, 'tis out and he will not be happy. Woe is me. — 
(^Observing Gaston, tries to remember him, muttering the while.) 

Gaston : (close to her) Madame Cavaillon. 

Nina : The name to which misfortune clings, and sadness claims it's 
own? Oh! I thought 'twas buried in the gloom of memory — that 
it had perished ever more. Who are you, sir, 'that comes as from the 
grave ? 

Gaston : Have you forgotten him who held out hope to you till the 
end came? 

Nina : Never ! Nor can I till to the last. You spoke for him — for 
me, and heaven blesses you as it behooves the good and just. 

Gaston : For my sympathy in your behalf at the time madame, I 
am repaid — enriched even, by the many thanks you bestowed upon me 
then. 

Nina : Why do you seek me out now ? 

Gaston : Not to tell you this. We want one Bertomy whom rumor 
whereabouts with Nina. 

Nina : Rouel, Henri, Louis, Abel, Beauclaire, Marie ; You are 
mistaken, we have all these and others but Bertomy is none of them. 

Clamerau : Don't you know the christian name ? 

Gaston : I confess I do not. H'm here's a puzzle. 

Clamerau : The papers should throw light on that. 

Gaston : Possibly. I had forgot about them ( Consults papers.) 
But no there is no other— H'm yes there is— Armond is he with you ? 
(Enter Armond, Tony, Prosper, jesting.) 



16 J^ina. 



Nina : (Shields Armoncl) What has he done against her that the 
law demands his person ? 

Armond : ( Comes forward) Nothing himself need fear to answer 
for. Sirs ! I am he, whatever you may have to say, speak out and 
conscience stands by me I'll defend myself. 

Gaston : Think you, 'tis young Bertomy ? 

Clamerau : Beyond doubt. I knew his father before him, who was 
his very likeness. 

Gaston : To business then. Young man prepare to receive impor- 
tant news. 

Armond: Proceed— I am attentive. 

Gaston : We have here a document concerning you, which is of no 
less importance than an uncle's will. You remember him ? 

Armond : My mother's proud brother, Count DeLesterre was a 
man not apt to be forgotten easily, when he chose to make himself 
remembered, Death heals many wounds, though when he comes, he 
ruptures ties and tears fall fast. Let that pass however, my uncle's 
cruelty to my mother, she forgave him. Now he is dead and the dead 
should be well thought of, though I cannot revere his memory, I may 
excuse his faults and mourn for him. 

Gaston : I am sorry you do not applaud him as by his will, he seems 
to have deserved ; for this the testament sets forth, that to his nephew 
Armond Bertomy and heir, he bequeaths the title and immense estate. 

Armond : I dare not think it. The fortune is too tempting to be 
held long. 

Gaston : ( Tony and Prosper dispute) Here is the document drawn 
up and legalized to prove all I have said. Soon as you can appear 
before men in authority with proofs of claimant on just rights to their 
satisfaction, the thing is done. 

Armond : I prize it a rare distinction to be singled out in this 
manner, but to deserve my uncle's favor in his last moments, is highly 
gratifying and pleases me the more. His affairs I venture had your 
care exclusively. 

Gaston : The presumption is not amiss. 

Aomond : Well you understand these matters best. As my uncle 
has appointed me to fill his place, I will with your permission consider 
your services at disposal and available to me also. 

Gaston : As you please. 

Armond : That were done with. We will against the city present- 
ly , to answer for the why and wherefore of our coming hence. 

Gaston: (Tony and Prosper dispute louder) Remain assured of 
my utmost ability whenever you are ready to command it. 

Armond : Meanwhile we'll turn it over sanguine of approval, 
momently you are my guests and obligated to our humble hospitality 
in one sense at least. 



jy'ina. 17 



Gaston : Name it. 

Arraond : Receivers of it and disposers too. I must insist on both. 
Gaston : Say no more, the pleasure shall be yours as well as ours. 
Eh! Count? 

Clameran : Without stint. 

Prosper: Oh, you're brave, I know. 

Tony : I know what I'm about at any rate. 

Prosper : So do I. 

Tony : Oh, you're a good one. 

Prosper : You'd make a better no doubt. 

Armond: Well! Well! Well! What's all this fuss about ? 

Prosper^: You'd see master. 

Tony : He's wrong. 

Prosper : Who got the worst of it ? 

Tony : I'll leave it to your betters to say you did. 

Prosper : Didn't you go down and give in first ? 

Tony : Let you betters speak for me. 

Prosper : Why man you begged and howled dear life lustily, as if a 
wound instead of fear was killing you. 

Tony : Bnt didn't you, for trembling like an aspen and chattering 
holiness come over us, fall under and make me follow you ? 

Prosper : What then ? 

Tony : Else I had not been down, that's what. 

Armond : Desist. 

Prosper : And how you yelled murder ! Was it not ? 

Tony : And the way you prayed — astounding was it not ? 

Armond : Will you be silent both of you. Now quietly. (^Both 
speak together') 

Prosper: (Thus) He says I am a coward and could not face the 
barrel of a pistol even. 

Tony : (Thus) He makes bold I have no courage but to grapple 
with a meal. 

Armond : Stop, stop this will never do. One at a time, you Tony 
explain first. 

Tony : He says that in our duel I became so overcome with pow- 
der smell that he arriving just in time to bring me to again, and 
tripped me up and stopped me too from taking to my heels in fright. 

^ Prosper : Just so. When his pistol went off, Tony said that he was 
hit, afterwards he bragged of having been a target and how he had 
been riddled full of shot ; as he had no wounds to prove his boast, I 
thought that maybe in our scuffle I had shook the bullets out of him 
again. 

Armond : To my thinking Tony was evidently struck — 
Tony: There! 



18 Mna. 



Armond : — With courage prompting him to get away and out of 
reach of danger. You Prosper, have no courage. — 

Tony: Aha! 

Armond ; — To resist being led into the struggle which deprives poor 
Tony of his marks of valor. 

Tony : I told him the same thing. 

Armond : Prosper is hard of believing, eh, Prosper ? 

Prosper : That's it, but I am convinced now. 

Armond : Clearness in any matter will everybody, As my decision 
seems to satisfy you both, make up your quarrels and conduct these 
gentlemen to the camp, there entertain them that they take no regrets 
away with them of having been in dull company. 

Gaston : Rare jewels these, eh ? 

Armond : You are right, and for the rarity, very precious. {Exit 
Prosper, Tony, Oaston and Clameran.) 

Nina : Fortune is good to you, Armond. 

Armond : Would my prospects did not lead me from the dear ones 
here. 

Nina : It will be melancholy for her. 

Armond : Yet I go but to return ; a week or two of separation and 
severed hearts shall be as one again. 

Nina : 'Tis said of those whom fortune smiles on, that they take to 
worldliness for betterment and wive pride. Is't true ? 

Armond: If a kingdom instead of part thereof entitled me on 
acquisition of a crown, I could not be more steadfast. 

Nina : Be not too outspoken, fortune wrings confessions from us 
which may perjure us hereafter. They that woo haps often wed mis- 
haps. Youth is an overconfident and rash sayer. Maturity would 
none of that, but weighs well first to perform the better afterward. It 
is the deeper in-sight which gains the deeper knowledge, by the same 
method due considering develops judgment in us — Therefore, think well 
and do well, rather than merely speak well if you would merit well. 

Armond : I hope to profit so by good advice that you who give it 
anxiously shall be assured of having taught wisely. You are good, 
and set me right and laud nobility of character and purity of heart, 
and let me but covet these — who'll say the hope is vain. 

Nina : I can trust you. I am faithful to the young and fond of 
them, because their hope is still before them waiting the right move to 
be realized, or the wrong, which fates it to be lost to them. I like to 
please the young who are most dear to me and whom I warn for their 
own good and try to help them all along because I love them all. Go, 
Armond, depart in our confidence and should we never meet again, 
think of poor Nina sometimes, whose blessings attend you ever. 

Armond : I thank, you mother, and should we meet again, as meet 
we will and soon — I pray your wishes may have stored up blessings 



mna. 1£ 

for you bounteous. Here comes Marie : How shall I break the news 
to her ? 

Nina : Take heart to tell her stoutly. She will be sensible, the in- 
evitable excuses nobody, but exacts submission from us all who bow 
the lower that we must. {Enter 3£arie.) 

Marie : Is it true that Armond leaves us ? 

Nina : Why so sad ? He goes to find that which he has not sought, 
and yet the child would weep her eyes out. 

Marie : I shall never see him more. 

Armond : Alas ! Good fortune what hast done ? 

Nina : Give him joy at least. 

Marie : The temptress whispers come ! The nobleman resists^o fall 
an easy prey. 

Armond : Are they such terrors ? 

Marie : Do not go. 

Armond : I would sacrifice most anything for you. However, I 
am content enough to go — Why should not you be also ? 

Marie : My heart is too much anguished. 

Armond : Foolish girl to hold out in this discontent. How can 
you doubt me ? 

Marie : I am but a poor maid. 

Armond : True — But are you not rich above all treasures, in posses- 
sion of that heart, an untold wealth, your own and mine, so soon as you 
can make up mind to let me have it ? {Exit Nina.) 

Marie : But your high station ? 

Armond : Is not attained until you can enjoy it with me. 

Marie : You are a Count now, think of that: and a Count — 

Armond : Don't say what a Count won't do, for even Counts must 
do what love has prompted hosts of greater men to do. 

Marie : Of what avail the lesson. Men of exception are the con- 
trary to such. 

Armond : Doubter. W^ould you think me dififerent than I am, or 
make me what I am not yet, nor ever shall be ? Oh fie ! You weigh 
my love, dispensing with it as inferior which is so full measured as to 
be lacking of not a single grain. Aye, count every grain of me that 
none is wanting if you will ; but doubt me ? Never fear it. 

Marie : AVho could an argument so forcible, who doubt a love as 
passionate. 

Armond : Who indeed would, if Marie's dear self does not. Now 
listen : I'll to Paris — take possession — conclude afi'airs quick as possi- 
ble, and return then and there declaring war against hearts on pre- 
text of an old claim I hold. 

Marie : Rather than love ensue, I'll cede mine. 

Armond : Let there be a cessation of hostility then. 



Kina. 



Marie: Conditionally? 

Arraond : If you like. I'll make the proviso at once. 

Marie : I am at your mercy — deal lenient. 

Armond : The little witch herself is in the ceding, or war's afoot. 

Marie : Me too, great Count ? 

Armond : Nothing less. I claim full measure too. 

Marie : Then I will be surely happy. 

Armond : That you are, will make me the veriest alive. 

Marie : Why I did look askance at my own heart, and dreaded 
only disappointment. Noble Armond ! How did I come to ever 
doubt you. 

Armond Oh ' We'll be happy yet ; very happy, never fear. But 
come, forget we not our friends in the sweet maize, else they'll get out 
of patience with all soul — heart — and love — belonging to us. (JExii 
together. Enter Delmar.) 

Delmar : Love and happiness hand in hand everywhere. Fortune 
optional with everybody, while I alone am shunned. Fate scoffs me, 
and nature looks a scornful treachery at me. Methinks I am a cur, 
cowed down in spirit and quaking lest every stifled bark strike fear 
to me. My fierceness lights on nothing, my wrath smites emptiness, and 
what is aught on nought, whereat fools open their mouths and air 
shrieks laughter. Faugh ! My very thoughts outspoken seem to 
whine, to cling to me and crouch and lurk and linger round me so as 
to run riot, should my temper fail and waste away. She loves him 
and he merged all in love hies to her and is promised happiness. 
Curses on him I love her too, but holy horror, degredation loves and 
purity goes wide of me. He mocks me yet, and I, ray worst opponent, 
fly from meek self, and at his mocking am silent. And the straining 
of a nerve had stretched him lifeless — Worse thought, why I am but 
a buffet — that should be bulfeter — A mere plaything — A toy and yet 
untoyed with save by buffets. So end all them — I'll die. {Draws.) Re- 
lease me speedily, bright blade — I'll die ; his life my own shall forfeit 
— 'tis but a gypsy's — I'll bring the sacrifice and die. Rouse you 
death ! Cut ofi' this wicked thread. Ha! What is this? I hear the 
whisper ; Gypsy and Count. The breach is wide ; you tempt me knife, 
back ! Hide in thy sheath 'twixt life and death, 'tis shorter. I'll live. 
They separate. Love once rent, twains far apart ; 'tis in despair. Ah ! 
Consolation win her mine ; I see thee, seize thee — future — hope — she 
— love — all's mine ! Mine ! Mine ! 

Scene II. The Same. The Camp. 

{Armond, Marie, Nina, Gaston, DeClameran, Prosper, Tony, 
and Gypsies in groups.') 
Gaston : Am I to understand the tree had been bewitched ? 
Prosper : Exactly, sir. 
Tony : Believe it everybody— I won't. 
Prosper : Why did you call upon the virgin I 



mna. 21 



Tony : I always do at morning when I rise. 
Prosper: Aye, but you did'nt rise, you fell. 
Tony : That's easily explained. 
Prosper : I'd like to hear it. 
Tony : So you shall ; it's the force of habit. 
Prosper : Force of fiddlesticks. 

Tony : You see, I rise so often, that I am so used to it, that out of 
habit, I am never up until I rise up. Now then, bring on your guard. 
Prosper • Asleep ? 
Tony : Nothing of the kind. 

Prosper : Well now, this force of yours, applies to getting up out of 
a sleep. 

Tony : Not a all. 

Prosper : Too thin. ' 

Tony : How so ? 

Prosper : You rise to be up, don't you ? 
Tony : Of course. 
Prosper : Now to get up. 
Tony : I must up, always up. 

Prosper : Can't you get up without getting down first ? 
Tony : No ; I must get up, you see ! 
Prosper : Must ? 
Tony : How can I get up else ? 
Prosper . How else ? 
Tony : I can't get up now ? 

Prosper: Did I say you could? Supposing now you had been 
down. 
Tony : So I was. 

Prosper : That's right. We have you down at last. 
Tony : No ! I am still up. 
Prosper : Still up ? You were down before ? 
Tony ! I had to, you see ! 
Pjosper : But how did you get up again ? 
Tony : Its simple enough to rise. 
Prosper : Why argue a point when you won't see it. 
Tony : But I do see it. 
Prosper : Let's see then. You are down. 
Tony : No, up. 

Prosper : What if you are up ? 
Tony : Can't you see I am ! 
Prosper : And if you are. What about it ? 
Tony : I'll stay up. 



J^ina. 



Prosper : Supposing you was up, but were to get down, what then ? 
Tony : I would get up again. 
Prosper : Yes, yes ! But to get up ? 
Tony : I'd rise up. 
Prosper : Up where ? 
Tony : On my feet, that's sure. 
Prosper : And are they up ? 
Tony : No, they are always down. 
Prosper : Down where ? 
Tony : Don't you see me standing on them ? 

Prosper : Don't I though, just. Why man they're big enough to be 
mistaken for sit ons. It's a wonder you never do sit on them seeing 
they can't keep you down. 

Tony : Who ever heard of sitting on one's feet. 
Prosper ? You try it — I do believe they'd seat a donkey at his ease. 
Tony : Maybe they would, if I knew better how to manage.'i 
Prosper : Nothing easier. All you have to do is let them rise. 
Tony : Where rise ? 

Prosper : Oh, up ; you're up too, you know ; and that would illustrate 
it beautiful as how the donkey isn't up until he doubles up. 

Gaston : Quite original, you'll never agree that's sure. But Tony 
has the best of it I think. 

Clameran : I'll go the odds on Prosper. 

Armond : Naturally Prosper is equal to a head twice Tony's size, 
but in originality, Tony certainly has the lead of him. (Enter Delmar.) 
Delmar : Who leads —Who is ahead ? 

Prosper: Well you see, Tony and I— But no — Let me right it — 
The matter is this — 

Tony: Listen to his stammering you see— Well I — and the like, 
and that is and that isn't and more besides that is all bosh. Now 
Prosper said — 

Prosper : No, no, Tony said it. 

Delmar : Well ! Well ! What was said. 

Tony : He said — 

Prosper : I say he did. 

Delmar : Well, was no more said ? 

Prosper : He said he wasn't. — 

Tony : And he said I was. 

Delmar : And was you ? 

Tony : No, I wasn't. 

Proper : Yes he was. 

Delmar : And that was ? 



Mna. 23 



Prosper : Fast asleep. 

Tony : Not a bit mas'ter, its only a habit of mine. 

Delmar ; So it is ; Tony, and by long practice you have fallen— 

Prosper : That's it— fallen— fell right down. 

Tony : Of course I did, so that as usual I could get right up again. 
I must lie you see. 

Delmar : Eh ! What is that ? 

Prosper : On his knees he says. 

Delmar : So he lies ? What about ? 

Prosper : Why should he, that's where the point lies ? 

Delmar : The point ? 

Tony : See here, Prosper's having this too much his own way. Can 
he have me get up now ? 

Delmar : You'll never do it by lying, though I am puzzled to find 
which does lie, the point or you ? 

Prosper : To illustrate it, take this tree for support, stand thus, and 
go to sleep. 

Delmar : What do you mean ? 

Tony : That's it— stand, then get up. 

Delmar : How — Climb up ? 

Tony : If you're not down you can't get up, that's sure. 

Delmar : The mystery deepens —No. 

Tony : To get up at all you must be down. Its very plain, Pros- 
per's wrong. 

Delmar : I suppose it is - Come what's it all about ? 

Prosper : All about Tony standing guard the other night. 

Delmar : Oh, I see, that explains Tony's lying does it ? Well, Tony, 
so long as habit uses its force on you, just keep on getting up again. 

Tony : I'll rise right up every time. 

Delmar : Prosper a word with you. {They go to the rear.) 

Clameran : Well done, Tony, I lose. 

Armond : When Tony is down, there's no telling just how soon and 
often too, his management will quickly get him up again. 

Gaston : {Looking after Delmar) Where have I seen that face be- 
fore ; Who is he ? 

Armond : Delmar by name. He is quite privileged here. 

Gaston ; Strange his face should impress me. 

Armond : To my certain knowledge he has always been with Nina, 
and has never been away from her except on errands for periods of 
two or three days at a time. 

Gaston : Odd, I should tax memory seeming familiar with his whole 
being. He reminds me forcibly of a somebody just whom completely 
baffles me to define. His whole appearance seems likewise in accord- 



2Jf JVina. 



ance with the likeness called to mind. Enjoying the good graces of 
Nina, would make him out commendable at all' events. 

Armond : There is room for conjecture even in that. 

Gaston : I would have thought not. We had better break up for 
the city now. It is already late. 

Armond : I am ready. 

Gaston : AVe journey alone. DeClameran evidently takes his 
fancies unawares, for of a sudden, he is rather seized with one to be 
gypsy awhile, so we needn't stop for him. 

Armond : Indeed. 

Clameran : The fact is, Tony has solemnly pledged to furnish the 
rare sport in such great plenty that I have been tempted to enjoy it. 

Armond: You might do worse. But bear this in mind, Tony 
knows a little of everything and very little of anything, and for the 
rarity of the thing, is a guide by no means to be sneezed at. 

Clameran : He has promised me your place which ought to con- 
tent me. 

Armond : Keep word, Tony. 

Tony : Ay, ay. my lord. 

Armond : Farewell friends. Hold me dear. 

All : Ay, ay. 

Nina : God speed you. 

Delmar : {Aside) The Count remains ! 

Prosper : Yes. 

Delmar : There's an itch here ; Prosper -But no matter, call it envy 
the name is nothing. ( Curtain.) 



{End of Act 2.) 



ACT 3. 

Scene 1. —The Woods near Camp. Night. Tony and Prosper 

Seated on Log in Close Confab. Noise of 

Rustling Leaves. 

Tony : Hist ! What was that ? 

Prosper : A noise of some kind, whatever may have caused that. 

Tony : {As noise is repeated) There again. What shall we do ? 

Prosper : Wait to see it out, of course. 

Tony: There! 

Prosper : You're not afraid are you ? 



Mina. 26 



Tony : (Noise repeated) I afraid ? 

Prosper: Don't look this way then. I'll tell you what it is, so soon 
as it appears. (Noise again.) 

Tony : How near this time. (Scrambles behind log, head protruding 
on side away from noise) Do you see it ? 

Prosper : Not yet. 

Tony : (unearthly) Prosper ! 

Prosper : Where the deuce is he ? Tony ! 

Tony: (Sepulchral) Well. 

Prosper : Well, well ; if he isn't in the log. 

Tony : Behind it. (Noise) Oh, Oh ! 

Prosper : ( Thrillingly) Tony ? 

Tony : What do you see ? 

Prosper Nothing. 

Tony : Save us, that must be a dreadful thing. (Noise. Tony groans.) 

Prosper : This tries the nerves. 

Tony : (Shivering.) Has it got a shroud on ? 

Prosper : It's mysterious like— Shrouded all in darkness. 

Tony : Is it thin ? 

Prosper : About as thin as your courage. 

Tony : And Prosper— (iVoise) Oh, Oh ! 

Prosper: (Creeps behind log) Sh —its coming. 

Tony : (After a silence) Pros — 

Prosper : Keep quiet. 

Tony : I wish I was well out — 

Prosper ; Sh— (Enter Dehnar.) 

Delmar : What chance have I save by this means. She loves too 
well, or I were suitor in his place already. All too well that aught 
but infidelity could shake the faith in which she holds him. Thus 
shall it be however— he must be held aloof and if my plan is carried 
out so as it should, he will be. If not on easy grounds, then let it be by 
force. One way or the other— be it either, I must prepare. (Sits on 
log) I am aweary of uncertanity — to action soon. 

Tony : ( Cautiously) Say Prosper. 

Prosper: Sh — 

Delmar : What's that ! ( Quickly thrusts hand behind log striking 
To7iy on head, who jumps up with cry of terror.) Ha ! (Leaps on him 
bearing him to earth and draws dagger) Fiend ! Devil ! Imp ! What- 
ever you be and whence, speak, or my patience will exhaust on thee. 

Tony : (Bellows.) Murder ! 

Delmar : Who are you ? Quick ! 

Tony : O dear ! O dear ! Good Count don't strike I 

Delmar : Is it you, Tony ? 



J^ina. 



Tony: Kind sir — 

Delmar : What have you heard ? 

Tony : I never hear nothing, I don't. 

Delmar : So much the better for you. 

Tony : May I get up, good Count ? 

Delmar : Arise. 

Tony : Oh ! Oh, what a gripe ; I thought the end was near. 

Delmar : It was your peril ; you have disturbed me in my walk. 
Good morning. (Exit.) 

Tony : Confound such hands upon the neck. If the arch fiend has 
this fashion, I've had the taste. 

Prosper : (Emerging.) Nonsense. 

Tony : What's nonsense. 

Proper : His being the Count. Was it not Delmar ? 

Tony : I'll lay odds on what I say. 

Prosper : Still you are mistaken ; it was Delmar. 

Tony : No mistake about it ; he had me fast enough to see his face, 
and the Count it was— none other. 

Prosper : I would take my oath on the other. 

Tony : I had the close call whichever it was ! 

Prosper : I thought you liked this sort of thing. 

Tony : Not quite. 

Prosper : There's nothing equals it at times. 

Tony : Especially when I am in and you well out of it. 

Prosper : I enjoy it far more with you in than out. 

Tony : There's the trouble— for me I mean. 

Prosper : The day dawns, let's away. (Exit. Enter Nina.) 

Nina: Forsaken and alone am I; my spirit's low — my soul tor- 
ments me. Alas ! It is not well with me. (Sits.) The vaults of hideous 
night sealed up once again, spectral, pale away as day comes slowly to. 
Swift wings bear eastward, whence dawn bathes sunny browed, the 
golden crown of morn to put right royal on to-day, the majesty of 
yesterday. The heavenly host rings out in trumpet sound, to herald 
sleep be done. Nature stirs refreshed —drowsed creation awakes rejoic- 
ing—all is new begun. O, world ? So full of wonders and admiration, 
thou art so filled up with it all, the weary head seeks comfort on thy 
couch in vain. (Enter Delmar) 

Delmar : So early, mother ? What ails thee. Will the gloomy 
hour never end. — Despair, despair forever. Will you not speak 
to me ;— What tears ! Say, wherefore is this ? 

Nina : My son, how is it with thee. 

Delmar : Well mother ! Very well ! How is it with thee ? 

Nina : 111, most ill. Oh Delmar I had a dream this night that 
was unlike a dream, but seemed a real unraveling transmitted in a 



J^lna. 27 



trance. Methoiigbt I had traversed familiar grounds, and pondering 
the while, had lost ray way. Night was come, pale, dreary night, not 
a star was visible, no sign of life, all was ominously still around me. In 
ray perplexity, I paused to think of where I was and even as I did so, 
my breath abated and I seemed suddenly to have been rooted to the 
spot. When lo ! a voice as whispering in my ear and laboring with 
difficulty to seem calm, said slowly : "Who-comes-hither-kno;vs-not- 
whither— Leads-the-pathway-thence-and-thither." The voice unbaned 
me, and, peering in direction whence it came, I there beheld what 
seemed a linger-post with arms o.it-streched and indicating, as it 
were, to whither led the right way, thence, or thither. So nearing it 
apparently the same voice said again : "The path a fruitless past hath 
plod, must be in hopeless future trod ; continue therefore, as they raay, 
who seek this counsel on their way, that, as the past doth future call- 
ing bend, so go they too the way the lonely wand'rer's wend." Even 
as I listened every wor<l predicted true, and I said raournfully : Ay, 
ay, and echo answered faintly : Yea, ah, yea. The scene now changed. 
The past had hemmed me in, and left me only one course to pursue — 
the end. A cheerless waste— a bleakness as of death stretched out be- 
fore me. My footfalls seemed to muffle, and all was hushed. Soon I 
entered Hades, where, wrapped in gloom, and misty veiled the future 
overhung, and frowned on earthly things which had departed life, and 
now returned to dnst again. Passing on, I went from mound to 
mound, meditating how many of those underneath had life in death. 
At last my own grave yawned before me and against which death 
stood beckoning : Hail ! To the kingdom of the dead ! — as I lay me 
down therein. But listen Delmar, as I did so, a stake was driven 
through my heart, apparently a cross, which was no other than the fin- 
gerpost, and which now, that death was certain, looked in my face as 
you do now, and with your voice, spake deathful :— Dared you thither ? 
— Know then whither ; -Life, her victims all leads hither." — With 
this I was bereft, my grave closed up, and all was o'er. — 

Delmar ; How wonderful to have been dreamed, and yet how well 
to have been only dreamed. But soft, mother, will you now hear me ? 

Nina : Say on. 

Delmar : Two words say it all - Marie and love. 

Nina : I feared this. 

Delmar : Mother, I love her. 

Nina : She is affianced to another. 

Delmar : That other has forsaken her. She must be mine. 

Nina: Must? 

Delmar : Nay she is mine already. Forgotten, slighted, she will 
listen and -be won. 

Nina; Never! 

Delmar : He toys — I am earnest — He is fickle — I steadfast. O he 
loves her not as I. 

Nina : Give up ; I grow deaf. 

Delmar: I'll say more, the while he is irresolute lam resolved. 
She must be made to listen to his slights that she may feel the strength 



Xifut. 



of my appeal. Her pri le once humbled, she submits to me. I will 
have her. 

Niua : A noble champion of love, you ! Buckled in your villainy. 
Can the base and evil minded sound in treacherous shoals the depth 
of purity ? — Do you feign it ? 'Tis lust the stranger guest come, the 
thief unbiilden, the conqueror in the dead of night with firebrand of 
Hades and inspiration of the fiends. Your love ! What is it but in- 
iquity so called, an adder's sting, which feeds the victim poison to 
honey dread of death. And yet you call it love. Go ! Go ! I would 
not so soon forget there's such a thing. 

Delmar : You have forgotten long ago. 

Nina : Not yet, not yet. 

Delmar : You refuse my favor then ? 

Niua : Favor ! 

Delmar : My cause. 

Nina: Persecute me if you will ; her, if you dare. I ^i^^^^ you to 
approach her ; if it is my will, you shall not. 

Delmar : I will be gentle and entreat her. 

Nina: She must not be molested. Oh ! than my heart should cast 
his image out, I love him still too well. Go Delmar, I have some- 
thing I would mend. There is a strangeness over me, a numbness, a 
blight which clings to me, holds me fast, bids rae speak in language 
not my own, which, though I shake it off, though I laugh at it, threat- 
ens, even mocks me, and fills my heart with consternation and wiih 
dread at what is yet in store for rae — for her, yea, and for you. 

Delmar : Dear mother ! — 

Nina: Who pities me that wiles so gentle on an instrument un- 
tuned : who softs derangement that the very softness seems botli near 
and yet so strangely new ; you ! Then I forgiv^e you. Ay, go, leave 
madness and myself alone. Such are best left to themsselves. {E.dt 
Delmar downcast.) Oh ! 'Tis well, all's lost ; and yet 'tis well. Ye 
fates be praised that love nor happiness is mine, nor that ye ever gave 
me faith to covet either. Was not I cast up as out of chaos to sojourn 
with my destiny which was fixed in solitude. Nay have I not made 
desperate progress with griefs guidance over sorrow, wretchedness and 
misery for stepping-stones to this ray goal, forsaken and alone, as at 
beginning was prescribed. Oh ! Relent not, now that woe is raine, 
and weld and grind, and rivet, and raanacle, till well done, there cease 
a pittance in the flush of plenty. My resolution's formed — now let 
hira do his woi*st, and I ray best. (Sater Marie.) 

Marie : Whose hand has shaped this destiny. Alas ! What power 
is at work — what power foresworn against the poor soul. 

Nina : Gome hither, child come nearer my brain is busy with 
your future. 

Marie : You weep for me. What can it be ? 

Nina : She shall leave me. 

Marie : Leave you, mother ? 

Nina : 'Tis for the best. 



.\iiia. '2ij 

Marie : She does not know her mind. 

Nina : You still love Arraond ? 

Marie : Still ! That were love as the word goes. Promises— finny 
of hearts— sighs ! Then separation - estrangement - forgetfuluess. 
Whereas steadfastness -trustworthiness -faithfulness, worthy tc honor, 
look up to, is love not merely mine or mine alone, nor as it used to be, 
but simply as it i;v ever true -undoubting— ennobling. 

Nina : Poor bird, that for its mate chose fickleness, and gave it 
wing to fly -well-a-day whither? The silence has been long— the 
lover tardy. 

Marie : I may suffer, but I can never doubt him ! 

Nina: Be cautious, child, be cautious, 'tis only human to be 
cautious. 

Marie : -And over-cautious. 'Tis only human to be doubtful— mis- 
giving - even mistrustful. 

Nina: The maid speaks well, and she does so -I can safely part 
with her -She shall leave me. 
Marie : No ! No ! No ! I cannot, 

Nina : Ha ! The danger is too immiment. You must —You must ! 
You must ! 

Marie : Out into the cruel world ? Oh ! I cannot. 

Nina: Tis now impossible, you can remain longer —Delmar loves 
you.— 

Marie: The knowledge is no more embarrassing than the mere 
word ! 

Nini : Worse ! Worse ! I read deeper, the terror is designed soon 
enough, unless we heed the danger. 

Marie: You are fond of me -kind to me.— Comfort me in my 
affliction. 

Nina : Child ! Child ! Forbear. You cannot know the pain I 
feel. The step to take is your sole refuge. Fly ! Fly ! The evil. 

Marie: Is there no other. Am I not safe in your protection? 

Nina : I am powerless to shield you longer. Oh ! Think not of 
safety here — that lies in flight. 

Marie : 'Tis a hard struggle. — 

Nina : You will go ? 

Marie : Yes. 

Nina : For your dear sake, the trial jmust be borne. But strictly 
now. all's well and favors us forsooth. Prosper shall accompany you, 
and as the city is our aim, once beneath the sheltering protection of 
M. Gaston's friendship, perplexities will vanish. I can rely upon him, 
heart ^nd hand. He- is a good man, nor untried in my own behalf, 
I have referred your position to him intimately, and his reception of' 
you will be generous in the extreme. 

Marie : You are too good. 



30 JH'ina. 



Nina : Take this locket, it is your mother's and contains her like- 
ness. That you were stolen from her, when a babe, I told you long 
ago. Take heart, the trinket may prove finder in the search. However 
confide in Gaston, he is shrewd in these matters, and cannot fail to be 
of service to you in the end. He will prove a warm friend. 

Marie : O ! Thank you ! Thank you ! {Enter Ptosi^er and Tony.) 

Nina: Well! 

Prosper : All's ready. 

Nina : Go before to yonder hedge. You Tony, take the rear, but 
join us there as quickly as you can. {Exit Prosper) Let lis after him 
with lighter step than humor. For it all, though heart be heavy and 
the mind o'erladen, tarry not to think the pace too fast, nor bate the 
breath to hold communion, but speed away till distance intervals 
between and safety baffles even hot pursuit of you. Bless you.— Come 
(Exit ivith Marie, Tony following.) {Enter Dehnar.) 

Delmar : What marvel's this. — What strangeness in DeClameran 
and I? Thrice have I been called his name, and thrice it has thrilled 
me. They do not know my failings to be virtues, that speaks thus. 
I am as placed in fiery midst: — Arraond's happier lot and t'others 
fatal semblance breed in me an evil conspiration, which envy, hurries 
darkly on. What if he were to die. — I needed but — (half dratvs dag- 
ger) and I were he. ' Were Count. (Enter Tony.) 

Tony : Is it or is it not my master ? My Lord ! 

Delmar : Who's there ! 

Tony : Aha ! The Count at last. 

Delmar : At last. Ha ! Would you cast a doubt upon my right. 
My titled right I say to be trice over w^hat I am ? 

Touy : I am not mistaken. — The Count himself. 

Delmar : Ha! Who knows how soon. It's Tony, is it not? 

Tony : Even so, and ever humble servant to your every command. 

Delmar : My only wish at present is to rest— not command. So go 
thy ways in peace, my faithful, and leave me to entreat my own 
myself 

Tony : I obey. 

Delmar : Your ready obedience is in fitting contrast with my bid- 
ding ever : you may go. (Exit Tony.) There's something faintly tells 
me not to think on't, and still another louder something overwhelms 
its faintness, saying : Heed me- look to him— his life is in your hands 
his destiny, yours — strike the blow. The ruse works well ; what if it 
it could be done ! Back ! Back ! Another step destroys a stout resolve. 
Mercy on's, 'tis taken ; the die is cast. The Count comes unto execu- 
tion. {Enter DeClameran.) 

DeClameran : Deuce take the beastly nook, I do believe fair 
nature hides it purposely from sight, that it be not discovered save by 
accident. (Delmar creeps behind him.') Ha! What shadow's this! 

Delmar : (Stabs him.) Thy death. 



Kina, SI 



Clameran : Delmar ! 

Delmar : Perish the name forever. Stop uot whistling breath until 
'tis silenced at thy silence. Pierced heart, lock thy dear secret safe 
within thee. Ha ! Waste away, faint flutter ; the star grows dim, goes 
out. Those paling lids now close upon the glassy stare in death. 
Nina's son breathes his last — his son ! A murderer's no longer, whose 
self lies dead, wliereas the Count DeClameran still lives !—(^,a;ii.) 

Scene II. -Another Part of the Woods. 
Evdev Tony L. and Rouel E. 

Tony : Ho Rouel ! Dids't see Delmar ? 

Rouel : Not I. 

Tony : Well, go see him. 

Rouel : What's wanted I should see him ? 

Tony : To see is it he or the Count. 

Rouel : How am I to make them out apart ? 

Tony : That is for you to do. 

Rouel : If 'tis which is which to him, how am I to know. I may 
find the one and he may prove the other after all.— Deuce take their 
looks. {Exit) 

Tony ; I met both once or either of them twice -but which ? {Enter 
Delmar hastily) Here's one of them, — more perplexity. — The Count 
or Delmar?- Come now. 

Delmar : Fellow, are you mad ? 

Tony : I'll have it out.-* Who are you ? 

Delmar : No impudence, fool ! I am not in the mood— dost hear? 

Tony : So speaks Delmar. I'm off, happy. 

Delmar : Where away Tony ? 

Tony : To the camp. Look the blood upon your hand ? 

Delmar : 'Tis a mere scratch. Go before, I'll follow. 

Tony : It appears to me they're always following, When he gets 
there, the question will be as it was —is it or is it not ? Ugh ! (Exit) 

Delmar : Art thou my birthright ? If last to pilot forth a sinking 
soul unto the torrents of perdition, fiery serpent thou in league with 
hell. A thousand visions call thee to account, Purpler ! Devil's 
trade ! Not so - the mark's not mine. — The sin I wash away. — Thus 
out. - I am myself again. {Exit.) 

Scene III. — Interior Gypsy Hut. Nina Seated Bowed Down. 
Enter Armond hastily. 

Armond: My mistress. — Mother! Speak to me, deny this fiction 
bartered for the truth. 

Nina : What do you here ? You said farewell. Go to again, for- 
getfuluess is ours now ; it was yours for so long. 



J^ina. 



Armond : I might have spared myself this coldness. 

Nina : Take hasty leave, and spare yourself more of it. 

Armond : Where is the Count DeClameran ? 

Nina : Not here. Gone, gone ! — 

Armond : I speak of lately. He was to have gone on ahead of 
me— And Marie? 

Nina : Gone too ! All gone ! Begone too ! 

Armond : I'll need some explanation to guide me out of this dark. 
Marie gone you say —Where is she gone ? 

Nina : Seek no further here. My memory is dull. I wish you joy. 
Begone ! {Exit Armond.) His conduct seems unfeigned. I should have 
told him more. Pshaw ! My nature's changed. — {Enter Delmar, 
and follotuing him, Tony.) 

Delmar : Mother ! 

Nina : What now ? 

Delmar : I am discontent and anxious. I want an answer to my 
late proposal. {To Tony?) Seek Marie, and bid her to us. 

Nina : Thank heaven, she is spared this. 

Delmar : What can she mean ? Obey me instantly ! 

Nina : You command in vain ; She's beyond your reach. 

Delmar : By heaven, I'll have her, spite of it. 

Nina : Vie on ; it's a tame beast that gives in at the first hurt. 

Delmar : I see how it is, you disappoint my dearest wish, cross me 
where you can, spoil whatever I would strive for, tell me secrets of 
the past, degrade me with dark truths, humble my pride, destroy my 
hope, my happiness, all ; because the cup of bitterness was yours, and 
must be mine. 

Nina : Forbear ! You had a right to the past, bitter though it be ; 
and come what will of it, remember I have prayed you to be reason- 
able. Know thyself, my son. Knowledge is the profit of the wise. 
That you would be base, but have been saved from sinning, should 
merit worthier comment. 

Delmar : Peace ! Peace ! It boils within me. -'Twill out. I'll 
end it all. - Farewell ! {Exit ) 

Nina : Misguided boy, wax bolder in evil, — 'tis thy genius. Thou'rt 
armed, so go thy way. But let thy angel — if thou hast any — carry 
thee alway. Desert me not, heart ! I too am w^eak : Be thou strong. 
{Enter Bouel, ichispers to Tony) What's amiss ? 

Tony : Bad news, mistress. Your son — I cannot go on — it is too 
horrible. Here come those that tell the dreaded tale between them. 

Nina : Air ! — Light ! ~ Is it — 

Tony : He went in anger - 

Nina : Gods ! And^ now they bring him dead ! {Enter Beauclair, 
Henri, Rouel, and Louis bearing Clamcran^s body) Look ! Look ! It is 
— He is not dead. There's breath ! There's life ! Quick, Rouel, Henri, 



Kina. 3S 



to the nearest hamlet, bring help— water. Oh ! Hasten for the love 
of heaven ! His life hangs by a thread, but it is not too late to save 
him. (Exit all.) This is his work; the curse! The curse begun. Oh ! 
Delmar, why did you not listen to me. ( Curtain.) 



{End of Act 3.) 



ACT 4. 

Scene I. — Paris. M. Gaston's House. Apartments 

Therein. Merriment Behind Scenes. 

Enter Gaston and Armond. 

Arraohd : I'll bear it no longer. I am in the right to demand 
this explanation of your conduct, and do demand it. 

Gaston : Have the goodness to account your own. 

Armond : I am imposed upon. 

Gaston : We are apt to slip, being played on by you. 

Armond : I am excluded from your ward's society. Why ! 
DeClameran is favored freely and suffered near her. 

Gaston : You can answer, as well as I. 

Armond : I am at a loss how. 1 am under restraint, as soon as ever 
I would have my call announced. — Is it irksome ? 

Gaston : Not the least. My ward suffered much by your neglect 
of her, and her wishes constitute the law in these matters. If she will 
see you, well and good. If not ~ 

Armond : What then ? 

Gaston : This — I might act as peacemaker. — 

Armond ; Dear friend — 

Gaston ;- On condition, however. Answer me ; — and remember 
my admirable ward is not the Gypsy Bride. — After coming in your 
present station, you were distant, cold to Marie. The smaller details 
may have taken up your time to excuse that. But did you think to 
put her off, the match being undesirable under altered circumstances ? 
— In short, did you ever design to break the tie, by which your 
promise bound you— did you or did you not ? 

Armond : Never ! By thought or otherwise, on my honor ! 

Gaston : I am satisfied. 

Armond : The fault is mine, I stood in my own light, though 
Nina might have had the humor to lessen the offence some, had she 
been more communicative. 

Gaston : Say no more. I can conciliate my ward. Only patience. 

Armond : Oh ! The joy to stand well in her graces once again, if 
only for a moment. 



Sjf Jfina. 



Gaston : It shall be gratified ; I shall contrive to let you meet 
alone. 

Arraond : Bliss ! Oh, thank you, thank you ! Friend*. 

Gaston : I observe you are not on very good terms with De 
Clameran. 

Armond : As he has lost no opportunity to slight and insult me, my 
contempt for him cannot be said to be mere prejudice. 

Gaston : I do not pretend to excuse him, nor can I understand his 
motives in the least, but do not close with him if you can help it ; 
rather forget these things than foster them. 

Armond : What if I do, his habit grows the worse. I have no 
great relish for a hostile encounter, but the next provocation, I shall 
not hesitate to call him to account. 

Gaston : If you heed me, you will do nothing of the sort. He is an 
excellent swordsman, and is said to be a dead shot. 

Armond : If I do not resent him, they say too I lack manly spirit, 
and snub me the coward. 

Gaston : Avoid him as much as possible. 

Armond • I do that of course. There's no love lost between us. 
(^Enter DeMalx>rat and Marie, Velmar and Lady DeMalprat noisily.') 

DeMalprat: How very good of you. 

Marie : More praise. Do I deserve so much ? 

Lady DeMalprat ; Do not appeal to me ; ray lord is never happier 
than when he has outflattered all his fellows, Some say 'tis witchcraft 
the flow of it he conjures and commands. 

Marie : His lady should be versed on that, being so excellent a 
judge of him otherwise. 

DeMalprat : I fear not. Mademoiselle. My lady is deeply in your 
debt for all the openness in me you make her master of I repeat, 
you are very good indeed — too good by far. 

Gaston : Take care, ward ; my friend DeMalprat is an old head at 
casting webs. He will entangle you. 

Marie : There's no escape now. I am woven in the meshes. 

DeMalprat : Only a small trouble demurest of Guardians. I am 
interested in the young lady, and curiously enough the interest never 
wanes. She has always something new to interest with, now this, now 
t'other, the marvel is no sooner over, another greater springs in its 
place. The fact is, I am aroused, curiously excited, having heard the 
young lady's training of nursery plants is something wonderful. I beg 
the pleasure to see and praise for myself, and am gracefully accorded 
full permission — thence the happy sequel. 

Gaston : A party of four will conduce to make the event exquisite, 
but would not six add two great joys to that you have already ? 

DeMalprat : Excellent ! By all means say a party of six. 

Gaston : The additions are myself and friend. Permit me to 
present him. — Count DeLestere -my last client, you may recollect. 



Xiiva. 35 

DeMalprat : Indeed ! Charmed I'm sure. The late DeLe*stere was 
an uncle, if I can think correct ? 

Gaston : It is correct. 

Delmar : Who has not heard of Gypsy Armond, or the Gypsy 
Count, as he is more familiarly known ; having lived many years 
among Gypsies. 

DeMalprat : I beg pardon — did you speak to me ? Really — 

Gaston : My dear DeClameran, assurance goes unchallenged under 
this roof, The matter ends, have done with it. 

Lady DeMalprat : You are late, ray lord ? 

Armond : Unfortunately yes, Madame. 

Lady DeMalprat : I am not so sure of that ; the host's ward has 
about tired of the rest, and in her languor naturally occupies herself 
with you, the last comer ; which fact so happens, fortunately for you. 

Armond ' Could I believe it, I were happy. 

Lady DeMalprat : Am I right, Marie ? 

Marie : Not very, Madame ; my thoughts are busy how to please in 
general — not in particular. 

DeMalprat : You make exception in some one's favor, surely. 

Marie: None. 

DeMalprat : Not even mine ? 

Marie : Not even yours. With this I take my leave awhile. There 
are other guests, you know ! 

Armond : May I oiler you my arm ? 

Delmar : Certainly not. I have the pleasure. 

DeMaldrat : This lady is under my escort for the present. Have 
the goodness to stand aside. 

Gaston : Gentleaien ! Gentlemen ! You trifle ; my ward is not to be 
molested after this fjishion. She seems hesitant which to accept ; the 
choice is therefore mine. Madame? With your leave. (Exit Lady 
DeMalprat with Marie) Gentlemen — do me proud — yours. (Exit the 
others) Nothing like separation. Nothing like it absolutely. Men 
will be men. (Exit.) {Bell rings, Prosper pompously attired crosses at 
rear in answer to summons and enters, folloived by Tony.) 

Prosper : This way ! What name shall I announce; I will have to 
put on a little extra dignity. Well, sir ! What name shall I say ? . 

Tony : My eye — Prosper ! 

Prosper : What name —no I said that before — who and what is it ! 
Did you lose speech, fellow ? 

Tony : How you have prospered, to be sure. 

Prosper : To the point, to the point ; we lose time. Your business, 
sir ! 

Tony : Tony is a- coming. 



jS^lna. 



Prosper : Tony who ? 

Tony : Camp Tony, your old gypsy comrade. Don't you know me, 
Prosper ? 

Prosper : Fudge ! How should I. The likes of him ; Camptony be 
seated. Have the goodness to remain here till the master is called. I 
said seated. (Amiounces.) M. Camptony ! 

Tony : Well, blow me up if I'm supposed to gather the drift of his 
confusion. {Enter M. Gaston.') 

Gaston : Camptony ! Have we the name right ? 

Proper : From his own lips. 

Tony : Not so ; wrong. I am from the gypsy camp. 

Gaston : Bless you. 

Tony : Eight ! It's Tony. 

Gaston : Prosper, I perceive, is at his tricks again. You come from 
Nina, do you not ? What can I do for her ? — 

Tony : She is vesry ill, - dying. 

Gaston : Nay. 

Tony : Marie is to come to her without delay. She has something 
to communicate would she die happy. 

Gaston : Marie shall go to her at once. Prosper, show Tony in the 
next room. I will ring as soon as I shall want you. {Exit) (Prosper 
looks condescendingly at Tony and exit stiffly.) 

Tony : But I like that. — {Prosper re-enters, walks close to Tony. 
Wheels off as before.) 

Tony : Stiff training that. I wonder could one of us do it up to that. 
Hallo ! Here again. Say, Pros ! — 

Prosper : (Having re-entered, stop)s close at Tony) Well ! Well ! 

Tony : How long have you practiced ? 

Prosper: Fool! Till my patience is exhausted. (Going as before 
looking over shoulder repeatedly. At door.) Well ! — 

Tony : Admirable. — Very good.— You do it fine. 

Prosper : Why the devil don't you follow ? 

Tony : Follow^ is it? Here's with you. Who moves first? 

Prosper . Orders is orders. Show you in the next room. 

Tony ; Oh ! There. What a sight I'll be. I'll carry envy home, 
sure. (Both exit after the manner of Prosj^ers lead.) (Enter Marie.) 

Marie : Armond ! (Enter Armond.) 

Armond : Dear Marie ! You forgive me ? 

Marie : The fault is found. We v;ere mutual in erring. 

Armond : My affection is not wanting, that so much as the hun- 
dreds part of a grain would weigh against me, save by unlucky seeming. 
I love you from an upright heart. Oh ! For the words, could I com- 
mand them to depict, what pangs I suffered all. 



J^ina. 37 



Marie : I feel with you, there's no such possibility as telling it. 

Aj-mond : You are brave — good. You can forget appearances — 
forget there is a past behind — there was a difference between us? 
Thanks ! Thanks ! Now you make me feel happy ; how shall I be 
worthy such devotion ? 

Marie : Remember you are henceforward a prisoner, it should give 
ample time to make the same amends. 

Armond : Relentless jailor! Would I be free under the law? 
Quick! Perish the thought forever and ever. (Enter M. Gaston.) 

Gaston : Eh ! Behold the change of base ! 

Armond : Oh ! Friend ! My misery has been whereas my ha{)piness 
now is. It is administered — transported tor life. 

Gaston : A lenient punishment the capital offender„ Marie, I see, 
has had recourse to other advice than ,mine. 

Marie : The heart's counsel is the best ; it's simplicity conceives 
amiability. 

Armond : The noble judge. Oh ! True and just one. 

Gaston : Stand back there, prisoner, the judge must not be fallen 
'round the neck. 

Marie : The rebuke is unmerited. 

Armond : Oh ! Jewel of a judge ; convene court again. I confess 
every guilt before this judge. 

Gaston : Tut, tut, some new offence before we sit again. Hence in 
chains ! 

Armond : Beware of me, executor, of my revenge ; I'll occupy the 
dock interminably. {Exit.) 

Gaston : Is he not a man to pattern after. All's forgiven, how ? 

Marie : There was nothing ! If so, I was left in happy ignorance. 
I could only listen and believe. 

Gaston : He is worthy the trust. 'Tis well, child, to best deception ; 
but we will speak further. Have you heard Tony is here ? 

Marie I hope nothing has befallen Nina, that he comes so unex- 
pected. 

Gaston : Nina is ill, and Tony is dispatched for you to come to her. 

Marie : Nina ill ? 

Gaston : Even unto death. 

Marie : Oh ! My more than mother. 

Gaston : Be comforted ; the worst is never quite so near as our fear 
would bring it. 

Marie : The very worst is to be feared for her, mark me — I must to 
her immediately. 

Gaston : You shall not lose a moment ; Lady DeMalprat kindly 
bears you company. Prosper details her hasty orders for departure, 
and all's prepared as soon as you are ready to set out, 

Marie : Alas ! The mournful news. 



S8 mna. 



Gaston: Mournful indeed; poor girl! Poor sufferer; 'tis hard. 
{Fixii together. Murmur without. (Enter Delmar.) 

Delmar : Out of the draught at last. Kark ! The murmur. It is in 
motion that stills men's passions. A life's in jeopardy — the frail craft 
tempest tossed a- weigh. War, bitter war prevails — he dies. {Uj^roar.) 

Armond : ( Without.) Releaseme ! Let me go ! I'll tax his braggart 
tongue. (Enter furiously, DeMalprat and others detaining him.) 
Scoundrel ! I'll have satisfaction ; Will you unhand me ! I must deem 
him not a friend who detains me now we are face to face with this 
defaming villain. By the gods! I say it in good humor still — let go ! 

Delmar: Gentlemen ! If you would not do his courage injury, do as 
he warns you. 

Armond : By heavens ! Ye restrain me with an evil purpose, if you 
do so longer. Unhand me ! Or — {Breaks away.) Now, rascal ! 
Slanderer ! Liar ! Retract ! — (Enter M. Gaston.) 

Gaston : Zounds, gentlemen ! Your misconduct in this disgraceful 
way, is, I deem contempt of hospitality. Really, such gross behavior 
in my house is beyond my willingness to overlook. 

Armond : Count DeClameran has spread a base report among your 
guests, which I have charged' him to retract. 

Gaston : Excuse me ; could not a fitter time and place be chosen, 
for the settlement, than now and here ? 

Armond : Not so ; my name made use of questionably, to bring 
your ward in disrepute, is surely suffice, that in justice to her honor 
and mine, the lie be given back the liar, and I demand his unstudied 
apology now and where we are. 

Gaston : A shade cast upon my ward ? DeClameran how dare you ? 

Delmar ; I have uttered nothing but what is strict in keeping with 
truth. To repeat it : " both were members of a gypsy band, and very 
intimate together." DeLestere came for no other purpose than I have 
said today, and did actually renew the tie which had been mutual, 
but broken off between them. 

Gaston : The words are harmless enough. 

Armond : But the tone, the manner he puts on to savor them 
doubtful, suspicious, even sinister. Behold me, friends, point out the 
mischief-making slanderer, the dragger-(;own, the trampler-on, the vile 
envy which because failing to see virtue in a god, durst look for none 
in woman. 

Gaston : Do nothing rash, gentlemen ! Gentlemen ! I beseech you. 

Armond : The imputation is basely false. The lie is damnable. 
Witness, friends, I denounce him cowardly and a liar. 

Delmar: 'Tis "said ! Pleaven help you — I accept the challenge. To 
affirm the utter truth of my assertions, and prove you that veracity 
defends me, the weapon in my hand — which should make life too 
precious the holder, to stake it foolhardy — shall teach contradiction to 
be folly, when you pay for it. DeMalprat ! A word with you. 

DeMalprat : At your service. 



J^ina. 



Armond: My host, shall you support me through the hateful 
business ? 

Gaston : I cannot refuse, though I would gladly. I hope the best. 

DeMalprat : My principal having choice of weapons, prefers 
swords. 

Gaston : ( Confers Armond.) Swords be it. 

DeMalprat : What say you to ten o'clock this very night ; the 
present full moon favors the meeting then ? 

Gaston : {As before.) Agreed ! And the place ? 

DeMalprat : Indefinite as yet, but we shall furnish you particulars 
early. You need not trouble about bringing weapons — we will do 
that. 

Gaston : You are kind — I thank you. 

DeMalprat : Thus far, good. Farewell ! We meet again later. 

Gaston : We are in honor bound. {Exit DeMalprat, Delmar and 
others.) In for it, most likely. Confound these affairs ; Ah, well, I 
wish you well out, 

Armond : I have dune my duty, whatever come of it ; no man dare 
affront me with impunity. 

Gaston : I find no fault at your show of spirit ; the truth is ever 
worthy being brought out, but the stupid arrangement whereby des- 
parate chances vindicates honor between men regardless of adherent 
repugnance — there's the rub. I fear the end. 

Armond : The end is not yet to-night. I must think of Marie ; 
the blow is sure to be a heavy one for her to bear up under. 

Gaston : Poor girl ! Disclose nothing— she should not know till all 
is over. 

Armond : Till all is over ! Oh ! I see the great danger. 

Gaston : There is a higher tribunal than man's ; there's the comfort 
so hope we too. Come, we shall be late getting ready, unless I can 
induce you to obey me faithfully. Remember the necessity of pre- 
paration for the night ; we stand in need of strength and cunning. 

Armond : A sudden apprehension ^siezes me, friend ! For me, the 
hour is struck, and fatal past already. Soon all is still — all over. — 
My fate, I come ! {Exit together. Curtain.) 

(End of Act 4-') 



ACT 5. 

Scene 1. — Interior Gypsy Hut. Nina resting on rude couch 
DeCla^meran kneels beside holding her hand. Night. 
DeClaraeran : Oh ! Do not I owe my life to you, my health, my 
vigor to you, who cared for me while I was weak and helpless, 
wounded unto death. 



J{.0 J^ina. 



Nina : It was my duty. 

DeClameran : You out-did even that, far more than I can ever all 
repay. Your kindness to me was the love a mother by her anxious 
presence, bears the suffering of a son. 

Nina : Would he were like you, Lucien. 

DeClameran : For your sake, I would he were even much better. 
But that I now could soothe as you soothed — that I could lift you up 
as you did me. You stood firm, never wearying watching over me, 
while health and strength were slowly ebbing and lastly slipped away. 

Nina : 'Tis well, my son. 

DeClameran : You stood in need of care as much as I ; That it 
should come to this, alas ! 

Nina : I can bear it without murmur. 'Tis well ! I am content. 
There's peace beyond. 

DeClameran : You should be up with me, mother. It grieves me 
to see you as you are. 

Nina : You are so like him, Lucien, and never thought of leaving 
me after sacrificing my little strength, and since behaved so noble, 
it gives me pleasure, and gratefully repays me to have done it all. 

DeClameran : I can never forget the debt I owe. Never ; never. 

Nina : Only remember, Lucien, Delmar is your brother now. 
Promise you will not give me cause to fear for him, and I am happy. 

DeClameran : Should we meet again, my brother is safe. By my 
hand no harm shall ever touch him. I promise faithfully. 

Nina : I thank you. But the name Lucien. — You still remember 
it? 

DeClameran ; Ay, DeMalprat's is one his friends ever think of with 
fresh memory. 

Nina : Where is Marie ! — 

DeClameran: Coming, never fear. Only patience. 

Nina : Not here then. — Ah, well ! — 

DeClameran : Only patience. 

Nina : Is she come ? 

DeClameran : Not yet. 

Nina : The name — Lucien — the name. I fear you may forget it. 

DeClameran : Rest easy, mother. I have it. 

Nina : Never lose it. — It is happiness for her. 

DeClameran : I have it safe enough. 'Twill not lose. 

Nina : But Marie comes not. 

DeClameaan : Patience ! Patience ! She cannot fail at your appeal. 

Nina : Oh ! Lucien. I have borne all patiently that fate unkindly 
portioned me. Now my journey is nearly run, I can be patient — very 
patient. The moon is up — look if she is come in sight. 

DeClameran : Nor form, nor shadow moves from its position, nor ' 
noise soever is astir in this great calm. 



JVina. ^1 



Nina : Look again ! 

DeClaraeran : 'Tis vain ; I can see nothing, absolutely nothing, 
save the shapes alone, wierd nature puts on fantastic and masque- 
rades in. 

Nina ; Ah she will be too late — too late. Come near again, Lucien. 
Listen ! Many years ago, a stranger left a babe with me, with the 
charge to bring it up as if it were my own. Of its birth — parentage, 
he said nothing, but, should the child be five years old, he promised 
return, to answer every question concerning it, to my entire satisfact- 
ion. This promise he failed to keep. 

DeClameran : Go on ! 

Nina : Ten years ago, a wretched starving outcast was brought to 
camp. Our charity came too late, but before death he confessed the 
child was stolen for revenge. Had not the circumstance transpired to 
will different, his fell determination was, its disposition should remain 
in darkness forever. Marie is that child. — DeMalprat and his Lady 
the parents. — 

DeClameran : What joy their's to learn the child's salvation drowns 
their grief. I can remember now they broached some such loss often. 
It turns out a pretty romance. {Exultant cry without) Good heavens ! 
What was that ! 

Nina : Tell Marie when she eomes. Happy soul ! I see her now ! 

DeClameran: I am firmly confident she will yet hear the glad 
good tidings from your lips, mother. {Cry) Ha! Again that 
thrilling cry ! 

Nina : Lucien ! Lucien ! 

DeClameran : I am here, mother. 

Nina: Do you see it? There, there the vision —ghastly — mis- 
shapen — out of horror staring. 

DeClameran : I see nothing. 

Nina : It is his face, but oh ! How changed. Spoilt by vice - hid- 
eously changed - Murder in his eye. 

Delmar : ( Without in distance) Clash, fool ! Lock up cowardice ' 
Clash I say ? 

Nina : That voice ! — That voice ! — 

DeClameran : 'Tis but the wind, strides angry through the woods. 
— No more. — 'Tis nothing. — 

Nina : No — no — no ! 'Tis substance, evil passioned, vengeful sub- 
stance, bodied in the soul of hate and dangerous afoot, Oh ! I am 
not deceived. — 'Tis he. — 

DeClameran : What would you do ? 

Nina : Do ! — I do ! Gods of mercy, ask me not as he. Oh ! What 
would not a mother do, — what dare to frustrate the conspiration of the 
incarnate, who would by means of hate turmoiling crazed through 
heated brain condemn the blinded victim everlasting down to 
torture in his hellish toils. 'Tis he — my son ! His cry of mercy thun- 



Jf^ J^ina. 



ders at my heart. — He is in suspense, — the yawning gulf below, sal- 
vation far away, stretching out arm to stay him. ( Cry) Listen ! 
Listen ? Oh this agony is horrible. Help Lucien ! He wavers — sinks. 
Oh ! Is there none the tottering soul to save ? 

DeClameran : This is terrible. {Enter Rouel and Henri in terror.) 
Nina : Oh, save him ! Save him ! Heaven ! Lucien ! Save ! Save ! 
(Sinks in arms of Rouel and Henri, DeClameran rushes out ahead.) 

Scene IL The Wood near Camp. 

(Enter Tony and Prosper from opposite directions, halt abrupt on he- 
holding, look surprised then disdainfully at each other, and go as 
before, each in his direction.) 

Prosper : That fellow Tony, 

Tony : That tony fellow. 

Prosper : Although I sort of liked him once upon a time. 

Tony : I must say though, he used to be a different sort. 

Prosper and Tony : (Speak at same time.) Hang it, I'll speak to 
him, (Both tarn to speak as before.) Say, Tony ! Say, Prosper ! (Both 
again.) AVell ! (Silence, then both again.) Well, what do you want ? 

Prosper : Don't you know me ? 

Tony : Don't you know me ! 

Prosper : Oh, yes! 

Tony : Well, yes then. 

Prosper : I did wrong Tony. I shouldn't have done it. 

Tony : How could you forget me in this way ? 

Prosper : I forget you ? The thing's impossible. Who ever could 
do that. 

Tony : Say it again. 

Prosper : Never ! 

Tony : Friends ! Old fellow ! Chum ! 

Prosper : Then you'll forgive it all ? 

Tony : Done - Everything. 

Prosper : Do you really now ?— Tony ? 
. Tony ? Prosper old hulk ! (Bash in each others arms.) 

Prosper : ( Caress) My best friend. 

Tony : (Ditto) Mine too. 

Prosper : From to-day forward, one. 

Tony : Solemnly ! 

Prosper : I am your brother. 

Tony : Brother ! 

Prosper : So remain always. 

Tony : Alway ! (Exit arm in arm alternately halting to look at and 
embrace each other.) 



Js'iria. ^J 



Scene 3. Edge of Woods. Beight Moon. Nina's Hut in 

Distance. Armond and Delmar Engaged in Duel. 

Gaston and DeMalprat as Seconds. 

Delmar : Chafe me pitiful encUirance, but this is taxing of the ut- 
most skill.— By all the fiends he's wary.— Nay, would you ! — The toy 
is too dangerous near my heart: — Away !— (Disarms Armond) Ha, 
ha, ha, ha, dost tremble now? Come take it up again, amuse me more 
'twill while away thy brief. When the viper stings the dead, there's 
laughter for you to the last. Here's a merrymaking indeed my trusty ; 
Be steady, thy provocation lies in the hearts of men. 

Armond : Strike when you will. I am ready. (Enter De Clameran^ 
hastening from hut.) 

Delmar : The restive slave would do his master service. Steady 
then — (De Clameran hastens forward.) 

Gaston — DeMalprat : DeClameran ! 

Armond : Monster ! Imposter ! Gypsy's son ! I know you now. — 
Behold the Count. — 

Delmar : Ha ! What demons work is here. Down ! Down 
again death's limb whence jugglery conjured thee abroad in shape and 
form resembling mold of man. Down ! Spectre, the hushed regions 
of the grave is thine to move about. (Bushes blindly with ui^lifted 
sword against De Clameran) 

DeClameran : — ( On impulse stabs him) Teach me not again but 
once ; The once taught lesson quick revives the memory's action. 

Delmar : {Staggers) Look ! Look ! The shadow. — 'Tis false, there 
is a Gypsy's son. Dead ! Dead ! Curse him. Oh ! 'Tis a mercy. — 
Ha 1 Grim the shadow there. (Stabs loildly about, totters, falls, as with 
last effort he hurls sword straight at DeClamera^i.) 

DeClameran : What have I done. The promise, alas ! My promise. 
(Enter Marie, Lady DeMalprat, Prosper and Tony.) 

Marie : What has happened here? 

Lady DeMalprat : My husband, what's amiss ? 

DeMalprat : Be not afeared, Jeanne. 

Lady DeMalprat: Who suffers as in agony of great pain? 

DeMalprat : The gypsy's son. He may be hurt to death. 

Marie : Armond ! 

Armond : I am unhurt. 

Marie: Thank heavens. 

Prosper : ( Whispers) The gypsy's son ? 

Tony: (Ditto) Delmar? 

Gaston : (Dends over Delmar) My friend can I do aught to relieve 
your condition ? 

Delmar : Back fool I Do aught else than pity prompts you Away 
ye gathering films that siege the light. All's closing dark around. 
Ha ! There's still a darker outline set in darkness— Yet strength— 



44 J\'Uia. . 

One effort more -(Throw his dagger weakly at DeClameran) Ha! 
done — at last. (Sinks back. Enter Nina from hut, lead by Rouel and 
Henri.) 

Nina : Delmar slain ! Who -who has done this deed ! 
DeClameran : Oh ! Coward ; whom a moment's danger could so 
govern ! It was I. 

Nina : May heaven forgive you, Lucien ; I cannot. Oh, my son ! 
My son ! (Si'itks beside him ) 

Delmar : (Starts up in terror) Release me death, whose hand is here, 
and though I fain foroid it, e'en forestalls my will and wraps obscurity 
around me. Oh 'Tis an awful struggle. — Yonder it comes as 'pon 
an ocean swaying to and fro. with bloody brow and frown so deadly 
terrible and ominou.-,. — Ha ! 'Tis the curse. — the brand that was de- 
signed to mark my soul's down progress, and set as seal thereon here- 
after. Oh, beckon not foul sight, risen up from execution — from the 
block. (Regards Nina intent.') 

Nina : (Claspb his hand) Delmar, do you not know me? . 

Delmar: (Tries to draw her Jiand to his lijjs.) My mother! List 
mother, oh, list, and be forgiving. He had murder to account for ; I 
fought against the same error. It would have been vain to fight 
longer. — The mastery was over me,— the same account open for me — 
the son- mother -ah— his son. (Sinks heavily, dies.) 

Nina : He is dead. Delmar ! Beloved ! Oh ! Dead ! Dead ! 

Marie : How sad ; it breaks my heart to see her suffer. 

Nina : Who's there ? 

Marie : It is I— Marie. 

Nina : Too late — too late ! 

Marie : No, no, my mother ! My dear mother ! 

DeMalprat : Comfort her, Jeanne ? 

Nina : Who speaks ! 

DeClameran : DeMalprat. 

Nina : Marie! Lucien will tell you — he is your father. (Lady De- 
Ilalj^rat observes Marie with emotion, falls iveeping on DeMalprat.) 

Marie : My parents— father ! Mother! Kind soul. 

Nina: Hush, hush child. Speak softly in this calm; the tide 
recedes bearing aloft a golden peace. Oh, how below all palely lit, 
gives way to heavenly beam on high. The storm lulls to sleep. 
Passion's cease— cease. 

Armond : Poor Nina. 

Nina: What voice harps sweetly in my dream; yet one farewell; 
I come — I come. (Seeks Delmar'' s hand, looks vacantly in his face.) 
Marie ! Armond | Lucien ! (Dies, Curtain.) 

(End of Act 5, and last.) 



